Mapping forces in nanofluidic-integrated plasmonic V-grooves

Contact:

Cameron L. C. Smith, DTU Nanotech, Cameron.Smith@nanotech.dtu.dk

The ability to precisely transport and manipulate single DNA molecules on a small chip without damage is a missing piece of the puzzle for the development of cutting edge single-cell DNA sequencing technologies. Our aim is to use plasmonic V-grooves housed within nanofluidic channels to provide the necessary on-chip control to delicately move and stretch DNA molecules in such a way that they may be sequenced. In this project, we will perform experiments to determine the magnitude and direction of several forces exerted on small particles (including single DNA molecules) in our devices: the optical trapping force, the thermophoretic force, and entropic recoil. Students would carry out nano-plasmonic and fluidic experiments in an optical lab to characterise fabricated devices and monitor the forces individually. Optionally, students may also perform finite difference time domain (FDTD) numerical simulations in COMSOL to predict these forces for comparison and validation with experiments.

After the project, students will:

-          Learn and study the generation of plasmon-polaritons in metallic V-groove waveguides

-          Understand optical trapping forces, thermophoresis, entropic recoil and their combination

-          Perform optical measurements in a laboratory setting on nanoplasmonic structures

-          Monitor the movement of nano-scale particles in fluidic systems via fluorescence microscopy

-          [Optional]: Run numerical simulations in COMSOL to predict the forces mentioned above.

Homepage:

http://www.nanotech.dtu.dk/Research-mega/Projekter/Externally_Funded_Projects/V-grooves